Nyirbator

The Bator; Nyirbator

Located in the Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg county of eastern Hungary, Nyirbator is a centuries old community known for its firm roots in the long history of Transylvania and the Hungarian kingdom. The region was originally owned by the Bathoris noble family. The family traces its lineage to the Gutkeled clan, ancestral clan of a large number of Hungary’s noble families. When founding the community itsprimary purpouse was to serve the Bathoris as a base for their administrative duties. In addition to this role, it would also be a family burial ground for the Bathoris. One may find it interesting to note that the town’s name stems from the Turkish word for “one who is a good hero”, “batir”.

The word would later evolve into the Hungarian word “bator”. Many historical sites within the town have been maintained well enough to survive the years. A great many of these infact dating back to the area’s founding days. One of which being the cathredal that is now known as the Reformed church. The church was originally constructed by the hands of Fransiscan monks, the church’s main sanctuary is populated by exquisitely crafted baroque altars and pulpits.

Despite a territorial disagreement, with Transylvania’s return to the Hungarian kingdom in 1549 there was a dispute as to which of the two countries could lay claim to the town, it remained under the control of the Bathoris until the death of Gabriel Bathori. By the 1800’s the town hit hard when it fell poverty. This would lead to its loss of city rights in 1872. After more then fifty years without these rights they were finally returned in 1973. Even to this day, despite a long period of disagreement in regards to its nation of origin, Nyirbator still remains as a rich testament to both Hungarian and Transylvanian history and culture.